Work begins on £6m project to “transform” Altrincham town centre

The first phase of a three-year, £6million project to transform the appearance of Altrincham town centre has begun.

Led by Altrincham Forward, the project is aiming to “transform vehicle-dominated streets into pedestrian-friendly environments”, with positive impacts on footfall, engagement and dwell time.

The first of three planned phases – which are all subject to funding – will last approximately five months and include improvement work to Goose Green, Stamford New Road, Cross Street, Shaw’s Road and George Street.

In Goose Green, the work will look to convert it into a “shared, local gardenesque square”, with a set of flexible furniture including seating and planters and traffic reduced and deterred. More trees would be introduced, the goose statue relocated and Yorkstone paving installed.

Below: Goose Green as now, and how it will look

Generally, the phase one improvements will see the introduction of new street paving that contribute to the character of the town, wider, tree-lined streets with equal priority for pedestrians and vehicles, sympathetic lighting to highlight key architectural assets and the de-cluttering of streets to improve the user experience.

According to Nick Payne, chair of the Altrincham Forward Place Group, the works will “transform the streetscene through the core of the town, and create a high quality, active shared space environment”.

Below: Shaw’s Road as now, and how it will look

The second and third phases will incorporate work on Railway Street, Stamford New Road, Moss Lane, Lloyd Street (to be confirmed), The Downs, George Street and Greenwood Street. Phase two is due to get underway in March next year.

Altrincham-based design company Planit-IE and Manchester-based Civic Engineers are conducting the work. Planit-IE partner Ed Lister said the changes would create “vibrant streets and places that encourage people to socialise, explore and enjoy the town centre”.